“I have had the privilege of working with Congressman Price on a myriad of different issues over the years, and I know he is uniquely qualified for the job of conference chairman,” Ryan wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter supporting Price. “He was instrumental in drafting our House Republican budget. His vocal leadership on issues like healthcare, tax reform and fiscal matters has been vital to our messaging and policy efforts.”

McMorris Rodgers, currently the vice chairwoman of the conference, is seen as the favorite of party leaders, who want more diversity in the GOP’s senior ranks. Price is a former chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee.